Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 130 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

14 _—_— oe eh ee ee ee ee ee ees tee Diels continued his exploration, noticing traces of r cent footsteps in the rooms, but deciding that they were those of som agmmaee ng visitors. He descended to down stairs that were damp and slimy, and yielded like an elastic carpet to the foot. There were two cellars. One extended under the front portion of the house, an oblong, rather narrow room, with thick stone walls. Back from this, on the north side of the house, extended a small uare room. It was dark and musty, and seemed to have heen formerly used for the storage of vegetables. These cellars passed under about half of the house, the remaining portion apparently being built on the bare ground, The outer cellar yet contained several piles of rub- bish remaining from the days of its occupancy as a residence. In one corner was a atta heap of empty boxes. In another an em © flour-barrel stood with its open end downward. ly-wrecked table and a pair of broken-backed and Sagas, | ha chairs completed this picture of desolation, w was a fair display of the conflict between Nature and the results of modern civilization, in which oo begins to win as soon as man’s hand is with- ‘** Had a kind of notion that the ghost story was an out-and-out sell,"” mused Dick, “got up by the counterf -iters to drive folks from these diggin’s. And wiat ghosts would want rumm ’ amon rotten ‘taters and old soap-boxes gits me. But ess I’m out of my reckonin’ ‘bout the counter- eiters. *“Twouldn’t be safe for them to try it on in a place like tais.” e continued his explorations, examining the wails and even looking into the empty barrel. “Rain’t no go,” he said. ‘‘Mought as well hunt for an eagle's egg ina duck’s nest. Guess I'll make tracks, and— Hallo! what's that?” Footsteps sounded on the floor above. The tones of voices came down to Dick’s ears. ‘Wonder if them’s the ghosis?” | he said grimly. ** Guess I'd best look out for squats.” The areps continued to move about the up tion of house, Finally ney reached stairs and commenced to desvce {t was nothing ghostly that had ‘thus startled Dick. After Dick’s escape the Molly had proceeded direct to Onester. Without loss of time Cap. Parker, Joe Tarner and a third n, &@ resident of Chester, had left the town and sought the spot where Dick had come ashore Arrived there they easily learned from the fisher- men what had occurred, and that Dick was now in Gvsrayed ai thelr prospect of easily recovering erjoyed a ey) y recove Pastened thither, and at once the lost’ trinket ney thoroughly = lo the upper rooms. nothing there they descended to the cellar. Oop. Parker reached here first and looked anx- iously around. To his intense disa wos gee ne Dick was uot to be seen. The cellar looked utterly deso- late and a be Turner proceeded to the dark wing leading from the main cellar. It was equally em Cather the fishermen lied er the boy is half- witch,’ he muttered. “ Ho's all young devil!’ growled Cap. Parker. “T'll be shot if he hasn’t flung us again. And if I get hold of him I bet he will carry home a sore back to the bosom of his family.” he ae ery XVII. ETEOTIVE’S RECEPTION We must have) Dic« Darling awhile m ‘his mysteri- ous disap nce and Pot y a flying visit to Philadel- pais to the residence of our our government detectives, acx Bounce and Will Somehow we always ena them at home and in much the same position, Jack with his feet on the window sill, in fat and hearty enjoyment of life, and Will ina lean fret about the desperate discourage- ments of business. Not that they spend all their time thus. They are xpert and active in their vocation, and are shrewd- ih working up the minor clews which they have so ar gained from Dick. As yet, however, tieir suc- cess has not been geval. Sol Sly, in particular, has taken hr. Ur his temporary arrest, and has fallen bac< i the most correct an of business. . pe? 2 is devilish slow work, Jack,’ protested Will, Sew g the floor in his uneasy nt “Ta know the om has something to do with it; but we can’t nail aa “The whole crew of them have taken fright for the present,’’? was Jack’s rejoinder. “Since that last note was offered they have gone back into their skins. They must have smelt a rat somewhere.” “Not they. I have just heard that it has been set afloat on the New York market. A full dozen of them have turned up in the banks, and the Lord knows how many of tem are adrift. 3s re me wee cee mee Detective Dick. ee scchaatta fp laheiba: Salkveie. peti ‘nieben.to-aee | ieleatantiy:,, “2e.tee the rear parlor wishes to see ou.’ * Ah! oa oe young lady?” ~ Very. well. We will be there.” ““That’s the way, as soon as a fellow ably settled,” muttered Jack, rising his chair. “If it wasn’t a young you to see her, but you are too soft-hearted trusted alone with the girls. ‘“*T!"’ cried Will, laughing. | “Why, my heart isa millstone compared with soft aftair you carry about in that bosom of yours.” “ All right,’’ and Jack uttered a deep ag “* Slan- suppose I = comfort- from ie would leave der won't die out while this world lives shall have to bear my share of it.”’ ‘* Yes, 1, POOF martyr,’ and Will slapped him heart- il on the shoulder as they descended the stairs. olks will never appreciate your peculiar hard- heartedness Jack looked with eyes of admiration on the beau- tiful face of the young lady who advanced a step to meet them as they entered the parlor. She was rat too nervous to quietly await their en- rance. ‘You will excuse me disturbing you,” she said, in a sweet voice. “I called upon you regal wok @ mat- reluctantly. “He repeated some slanders Mr. Spencer, and even used some vague B eK a a aap mie to name. this - ee you ind eno name . “It was Mr. Andrew W Williameon yen “Mr. Williamson ?”’ cose a Bok voice at the door, in atone of great surprise **Excuse me,”’ said the peaker, entering. ‘The girl told me to come ht Ss up; and I inadvertently overheard some of your "WT am just going, Mr, Spencer," abe, said, rising. ‘Iam just go r. Spencer, while her hand vis bly trembled. we oy ho ae my thoughtless intrusion has not anno ou spoke of slanders against me, and by Villiamson’ 8 son ae ‘Yes, sir,’’ she replied, reluctant “T know him,” he replied. “ He seemed spe- oe Who is to me.” thi, Mr. Williamson?” asked Jack Bounce, eis is an attorney, whose office is at Fourth and nut. ‘““Have you any other known enemies?’ asked Jack, as he made a memorandum of the address given him. **T know of no others.”’ ‘* You must not take a w Fong mpression concern ing Mr. Wiliamson,” remark ter about which I have been oh vat un rry Andrews, with ““ Certainly, miss. We shall be glad to help you,” | nervous intonation, ‘I am sorry I used his name. apace out Tact allantly, hel a mself to a He isa gentleman—hasty and prejudiced, perhaps, while Will, with greater ,» handed one to | but, of course, incapable of anything orimfial. : the lady. “T am told that you are marin ie detectives, and are concerned here in see out the counter- feiters, who have issued so found alse notes.”’ ‘*I don’t know how you found that yn cd miss claimed Jack, in surp People in upon us as two very quiet and innocent otel b board- ers.’ ‘**It seems that you have been detected," she con- fessed, with a faint smile. from a ~~ source. aptort vill, do for bah Poise? ex- eral look **My information came **What can we “Of course you are aware of the arrest of Mr. : neer, on the charge of being connected with ese forgers?” eh, certainly,” and Jack drew up his chair with quick interest “T believe—I know he is innocent,’’ she continued, earnestly; ‘‘but I am not conversant with the par- ticulars of the charge against him. Will you be kind enough to tell meif it is a very serious case?” Her voice trembled as she spoke. Jack’s face was full of kindly feeiing as he replied: “Tam sorry, miss, that I ts not know more about it. This arrest t has been made by the Pinkerton officers. I do not put much faith in it.” i ae ~ ht yoo would know all about it,’’ she aa ONO Ouly t e general features of the ch have been made public yet,’’ answered W e know no more than you of its hidden point, whiah will only come out upon the trial. Our investigations have taken a different direction.” “That was one of my objects in coming here, now answered, with an eager light in her face. “From what you know of the real criminals, from your long and close investigation, you can point suspicion in the proper direction; you can assure me that the evidence against him is of no value.” Jack coughed in an embarrassed manner, while Will had sudden business at the window, leavi associate to explain the valuable results of th searches. A knock at the door was a welcome diversion. Will hastened to open it, aud found the same cham- bermaid who had before knocked at their dour. ‘* A letter for Mr. Frazer,” she announced. “ And ae is a man down- -stairs, sir, as wants to see you “Very well. Tell him he will see nee a fly s3 tnt minutes,’’ answered Will, ny seminal ae ting the door, and hastening to open the a You know the es against Mr. Spencer?” ** About the counterfeit notes being found in his rooms? Oh, yes.” “It has a teriotis look.” a But i know it must have been the work of some enemy,” she cried, in an excited tone. “Excuse me interrupted Will. ‘“‘ This is a letter from Boston, Str. Bounce.” “ Ah! any trace of the parties?” “Yes; the whole story is trne. Mrs. “iilton still lives there. She was much excited ty my wage te questions. She still mourns for her lost son. ” | could tel] her nothing, of course. She may come re --e . tion,” epologized Jack to the ladv. “So much the better,’ exclaimed Jack, rubbing | his hands with satisfaction. i 7% nae do you make that out?’ Will sharply ques- one. ‘“*The more daring they are the better our chances, thatisall. I don’t like to see them drawing back imo their holes.” “That boy is a shrewd young rogue,”’ Will sudden- ty declared. “ Aha! vou’ve come to that opinion, then?” “Yas. He has put us on the only track yet. And he knows more than he cares to tell.” in good time. I have great faith in Dick. He has some big thing in his eve. Their conversation was interrupted by a knock nthe door. Will hastened te open it. It was a ohatabeunalt who announced: Philadelphia to see us. os I b ag afraid we can tell her no more,”’ Jack de- clare “The boy can. Wemnst refer herto Dick.” “Excuse us for entering into a private conversa- “It is another important matter in which we are interested. You think, then, that Mr. Spencer has been injured by an enemy ?”? **T am sure of it!” she responded, excitedly. ‘“* Have you any idea by whom?” “‘T cannot sav,” she answered, more thouchtfully. “Think a moment. Do vou know any one who has expressed enmity, or who has shown an unfriendly feeling to him?” ‘** None who conld have sourht to injure him in this way.” was her slowlv-riven answer. “Perhaps not. We offiesrs have a habit of con- sidering so many little points. Alwars hoping some- thing may turn up, you know. Will you please Dame, ary person who has seemed unfriendly te uy do not know that he is specially unfriendly,” to be quickly. chair, ily hs iy liamson. Th maid. she oa i “ee ere are many things of course to young ladies that are not of course to us doubting Thomases,” Will Frazer reminded her. “‘T must go now. I am Passa to you for your kindness. Good-day Spencer.’ Will politely opened the door for her. Harry Spen- cer stood irresolutely fora moment, Oe ae hastily to the officers: “‘I will see you ‘again . ened out after her. Jack Bounce twisted himself round to look at Will, with a comical smile on his face “ That’sa kind of thing that don’t often get im our A sort of toral poem.”’ ere wasn't much said, but wonderful ex- pression of looks and tones,” replied Will, laughing. ** Spencer ae a hankering for her, that’s sure,"’ de- clared Jack ““And I fancy her taste runs to Wil- LENO a . bit of it,’ and Will loo way. mpone indi cer’s her fancy, or I don’t know signa. like a case of jealousy with this fellow, Wil. ‘He needs looking after,” “I think so,” replied Jack. ‘If Spencer ie inmo- cent, then the man who is working against him is our game. be ey were surprised by a third knock at the door, and the reappearance of the irrepressible chamiber- ie. | ** A lady wishes to see Mr. Frazer, ” she announeed. “Ve well. Show her up.’ 4 t I best rotate?’ demanded Jack, la ingly. ‘* When ladies inquire so icularly’ for 539 a chap of my size might be in the way.” You can hang Will 6 door long enough t to should like te have your’ th kind permission. “I should lik ave your critical opinion of my taste es.”’ “‘ITam a harsh critic,” averred Jack. “ Best tern me AS if even wish to escape.”’ ill eauie reply the door opened, and his new rer niaitae ente She was a nara some fift years of age. She w very richly dressed in black silk, and had about het a striking dignity of manner. In face she had oo been very beautiful, and was still a mark some lady. Lines of sadness deeply chann nyo face, showing principally about the mouth and the deep-set eyes. Jack Bounce hastened to hand her a ach ‘*“Thanks,”’ she replied with dignity of “Which of these gentlemen is Mr. Frazer?” is Fer he, apt p's mi ites “You wrote oston lately, inquiring about a Mrs. Milton?” There was an intense feeling in her tone, ‘“*T did,” he replied. “T am Mrs. Milton.” ee ee XIX. ANIMATED BARREL. Back again to Dick Darling leads the course ef our “ower true tale.” The perties who had felt so sure of finding bim im awhile tone. the old house were obliged to swallow their es hogee as best theycould. They stood in of what they would have done if they had , only found him, and debating as to how best vf eon- tinue their search. Then one of them went heavily up the elites. | eat — remained talking for a minute. “Is he in it?” “No,” said Cap. Parker. ‘He is an agent im an- other business in which the old man is interested. Be eareful with him.” nce Of course I ram replied the other. “To-night | en.’ ‘** At what hour * Midnight. Lot us follow. He may suspect something. We will meet here at the time the ghosts walk.”’ With a laugh he Ied the way up the ¢ in een to the voice of Joe Turner, v ho out: “What is keeping you two? Going: ratting are you? It ain’t sueh a pleas nt old cellar.” ony | another look round, that is all,” wae the TE ar foetsteps sounded leudly im the empty ; ‘ 4 7 ‘cOMmiIcboo cs:'GOl